Smartphone Use in the Management of Neurological Emergencies: A Simulation-Based Study

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesSmartphone use in medicine is nearly universal despite a dearth of research assessing utility in clinical performance. We sought to identify and de ne smartphone use during simulated neuro-emergencies. MethodsIn this retrospective review of a prospective, observational, single-center simulation-based study, participants, ranging from sub-interns to attending physicians and strati ed by training level (novice, intermediate, and advanced) managed a variety of neurological emergencies. The primary outcome was frequency and purpose of smartphone use. Secondary outcomes included success rate of smartphone Discussion Participants commonly used smartphones in simulated neuro-emergencies but use didn't confer improved clinical performance. Less experienced participants were the most likely to use smartphones, were less likely to arrive at correct conclusions, and thus are the most likely to bene t from an evidencebased smartphone application for neuro-emergencies.